Paper feed control apparatus



April 6, 1965 E. M. BLOOM, JR, ETAL 3,176,819

PAPER FEED CONTROL APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 30, 1962 INVENTORS. EARL M. BLOOM,,JR. THOMAS L. SCH/APPLE BY %& @m/ g A ril 6, 1965 Filed March 30, 1962 E M.BLOOM,JR ETAL PAPER FEED CONTROL APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 6

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LO L1 2 United States Patent York Filed Mar. 30, 1962, Ser. No. 183,967

Claims. (Cl. 197-133) This invention relates generally to improvements in paper feed control apparatus and more particularly but not exclusively to an improved paper feed control in apparatus of the type in which the plurality of continuous paper tapes may be selectively advanced past printing stations by means of programmed information in an associated data processing unit.

In certain industries such as the banking industry in which data processing equipment is utilized, there is a need for a printing apparatus which is capable of printing certain output information on single forms as well as being capable of selectively printing other information on certain ones of a plurality of narrow continuous web paper tapes. Existing equipment utilizes separate printers with individual paper feeding mechanisms for achieving the two desired modes of operation, i.e. forms mode and multiple tape listing mode. It is readily apparent that this unduly increases the cost of the equipment which the purchaser must utilize, both with respect to providing two separate printers and with respect to providing completely separate control circuitry for the tape advancing mechanisms.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide, in a data processing system having a single printer associated therewith, individual drive means for continuous forms and for each of a plurality of tapes together with circuit means for selectively operating either the continuous form drive means or selected ones of the tape drive means.

It is another important object of the present invention to provide in a single printer means for advancing a single continuous form, means for selectively advancing desired ones of a plurality of individual continuous form tapes, and circuit means for selectively controlling the various advancing means.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved means for selectively advancing desired ones of a plurality of individual tapes into cooperating rela- .tionship with a printing mechanism.

it is another object of the present invention to provide in a printer an improved control means for actuating the drive mechanism for a continuous forms paper or for selectively actuating desired ones of a plurality of individual paper tape drive elements, substantial portions of which control means are common to both types of paper drive.

It is another object of the present invention to provide.

a pair of tape advancing mechanism adjacent each other and adapted to individually advance respective narrow tapes of a desired width and to advance in common a wider tape substantially twice the width of the narrow tapes together with control means for selectively energizing the tape advancing means individually or in synchronism with each other.

There are instances in some types of data processing systems in which most of the available operation, or OP, codes are already utilized; and it can occur that there are no additional OP codes available for an optional feature such as the multiple tape lister. It has been found that, in systems utilizing printers which have provision for both normal spacing and skip spacing of the forms, the skip OP codes may be used for a skip operation in the forms mode of operation and for selectively advancing the tape Ediihfilh Patented Apr. 5, l9h5 drives in the multiple tape listing mode of operation. In addition, this multiple use of the skip OP codes has permitted the advantageous use of much of the forms drive control circuitry for controlling the tape drives.

Accordingly, it is an important objectof the present invention to provide in a data processing system a printer having means for advancing forms, means for advancing each of a plurality of tapes, and control means responsive to a predetermined set of OP codes for selectively operating the forms advancing means in one mode of operation and for selectively operating the tape advancing means in another mode of operation. a

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. i

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates diagrammatically portions of a printer incorporating the improvements of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view partially in section illustrating a preferred form of the tape advancing mechanism.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate diagrammatically control circuits incorporating the improvements of the invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show timing charts illustrating the relative timing of the various control signals and operations.

FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates, by way of example, the pertinent portions of a printer 1G with which the improved control means of the present invention may he utilized. A printing mechanism 12 of the chain printer type includes an endless steel band 14 which carries a plurality of type elements 15. The steel band is carried by a pair of pulley wheels 16 and 17 having a suitable drive means (not shown) for high speed movement of the band.

The printing mechanism 12 also includes, in each of a number of print positions, an electromagnetically actuated hammer assembly 18 which under control of timing circuits will fire a hammer 19 toward an opposed type element and the forms or tape interposed between the hammer and type element.

A continuous forms paper 25 is selectively advanced by means of a pair of tractor assemblies 26 and 27 which are interconnected for synchronous movement by means of a pair of pulley wheels 28 and 29 and a belt 30. The shaft 3-1 upon which the pulley wheel is mounted is suitably connected to a hydraulic drive mechanism 32.

The hydraulic drive may be any one of several types well known in the art, for example, that shown in US. Patent 2,880,838, issued April 7, 1959, to H. A. Panissidi, entitled Fluid Motor Control; and said patent is incorporated herein by reference as if it were set forthin its entirety. Briefly, the hydraulic drive of the patent includes a hydraulic motor, the output of which may be connected to a platen or as in the present embodiment to a forms tractor. The motor is operated at slow speed by one hydraulic pump and at fast speed by coincident operation of the above hydraulic pump together with a second hydraulic pump. A control valve arrangement, operated by a plurality of magnets, selectively controls the pump outputs and the motor input forthe desired speed of operation. For slow speed forms drive, a slow speed start magnet is energized; and a slow speed stop magnet de-energized. Forfast speed forms drive, both the slow speed start magnet and a high speed startmagnet is energized; and the slow speed stop magnet and a high speed stop magnet is deenergized. Beforetheend a and the slow speed stop magnet de-energized until the end of the desired forms advance operation.

A plurality of tape drive assemblies 35-1 to 35-8 are provided for selectively advancing plurality of tapes such as 36, 37 and 38 past the printing positions. Attention is directed to the tapes drives which are adapted to individually advance a single width tape such as 37 or 38 and which are. adapted in pairs to advance a double Width tape such as 36.

In the preferred operation of a printing apparatus the printer will be operated in either a forms mode of open"- tion or a tape listing mode of operation. In the forms mode of operation only the continuous form 25 will be advanced past the printing stations while in the multiple tape listing mode of operation, only the tapes will be advanced past the printing stations. An operator will 'be required to set up the form or tapes for the desired mode of operation.

A tape control assembly 40 is provided for the selecrive controlling of the forms advancing mechanism for high speed space skip operations. The assembly 4d includes a paper tape 41 with apertures 42 arranged in a plurality of parallel channels across the width of the tape and a set of brushes 48 which cooperate with the apertures in the various channels for controlling the number of spaces tobe skipped for each desired operation. The

I tape control assembly 40 is preferably of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent 2,531,885 issued November 28, 1950 to A. W. Mills et al., entitled Paper Feeding Device. Said patent is hereby incorporated by reference as if it were set forth in its entirety.

The paper tape 41 is mounted for rotation on a pair of rollers 43 and 44, the roller 43 being secured to a shaft 45 which is a part of a tractor mechanism 27 whereby the paper tape 41 is moved in synchronism with the tractor mechanism 27 and thereby in synchronism with the con. tinuous forms 25. A plate of conductive material 46 is mounted beneath the lower surface of the paper tape 41 and is connected to a source of electrical potential by Way of a conductor 47. The plate 46, the apertures 42 and the cooperating brushes 48 provide portions of an electrical control circuit which will be described more particularly with respect to the circuits of FIGS. 3 and 4 for the purpose of controlling skip operations in the forms 7 'mode of operation of the printing apparatus.

A preferred form of the tape drive mechanism 35-1 is shown in detail in FIG. 2. The tape drive mechanism includes an electromagnet t? having a plunger 51 which I upon energization of the magnet is drawn within the magnet assembly. An arm 52 is pivotally mounted at the outer end of the plunger 51, and a spring 53 is interposed between the electromagnet casing 54 and the arm 52 to urge the arm outwardly away from the casing.

The lower end of the arm 52 is pivotally mounted on a stationary stud 55 and the opposite end of the arm 52 carries a roller 56. The roller 56 is adapted for operating engagement with a oamming surface 57 on an arm 58 pivotally mounted on a stationary stud 59. A bias spring 60 connected to the pivotal arm 58 and to a stationary stud 61 urges the camming surface of the arm toward a roller 56. y

The pivotal arm 58 carries at its outer end a pivotal arm 65 with a cylindrical rubber element 66 pressed in the outer free end thereof. The arm 58 also carries at its outer end a transverse paper advancing blade 67. The paper tape 36 is threaded between the pivotal arm 65 and the blade 67 and the cylindrical rubber element 66 is adapted to rotate toward the blade 67 when the magnet is energized to advance the tape forwardly, whereby the tape is clamped between the rubber element and the blade to prevent slipping of the tape during the tape advancing stroke.

. A pair of paper guide elements 70 and 71 are provided the paper guide element 71 carries a cylindrical rubber element 73 at its free end, and the armtoge-ther with its rubber element are adapted to move pivotally away from the paper 36 and the guide element 71 as the paper is advanced by the arm 6-5 and blade 67. However, as the blade 67 and the arm 65 are restored to their initial positions upon de-energization of the magnet, they tend to Withdraw the paper them; but the arm 65 pivots away from the paper. At this time, the reverse movement of the paper will cause the arm '72 and its rubber element 73 to pivot toward the paper and the guide element 71 to prevent reverse movement of the paper.

Thus upon energization of the magnet, the paper tape is advanced one space by means of pivotal arm as and the blade 67; and, upon de-energization of the magnet, the pivotal arm 72 and its rubber element 73 prevent reverse movement of the tape.

Control circuits-General description ates will be made. In the usual data processing system including a central processing unit with a printer output, the central processing unit will be programmed to select from storage the output data which is to be entered in each print position and the operation (OP) code data for selectively actuating the printer mechanism and the forms or tape advancing mechanisms.

Since the type bars of the chain printer, shown by way of example, are continuously moving at a high rate of speed, the central processing unit will include a conventional print scanning arrangement which scans the precise positions of the type characters on the chain printing mechanism. A comparison is made between the outa put data characters and the positions of the type characters in relation to the print positions, whereby each print hammer is actuated to print a character when the type character in front of the hammer corresponds with the character in storage which is to be printed.

In a typical arrangement for printing one complete line, the scanning circuit is arranged to provide a sufficiently large number of scanning cycles, e.g. 49, during each printing cycle to assure printing of the line Without the loss of a character. As the printing of a line is completed, an end-of-print pulse is produced to initiate the operation of the forms or tape drive means. It will be appreciated that because the forms and tape drive means are slow to start in relation to the scanning speeds, that the end-of-print pulse may be produced before the end or" printing occurs, for example, in response to the 48th scan cycle.

At the end of the printing cycle,the form upon which printing has been achieved will be moved one'or more spaces of the selected tapes moved one space, depending upon the type of operation which has been programmed. inter-locks are provided for preventing advancement of the forms or tape during a printing cycle and alternatively preventing printing during 21 forms advance cycle. The interlocks also prevent further processing during'a forms execute operation in the event that the next step in the program is a forms operation.

A typical data processing machine with which the control circuits of the present invention may be utilized is shown and described in copending US. application of Francis 0. Underwood, filed September 8, 1959, Serial No. 838,457, now Patent No. 3,077,580, entitled Data Processing System; and said application is incorporated herein by reference as if it were set forth in its entirety. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not to be limited thereby but only to the extent set forth in the appended claims.

Briefly, the data processing machine of the copending application includes a three-dimensional magnetic core storage or memory and an address register which cooperates with a pair of matrix circuits to read information from various positions in the memory to a B register and from the B register to an A register during an instruction, or I, cycle. A portion of the magnetic core storage is reserved for storing operation, or OP, codes which codes are read from the magnetic core storage to the B register and then to an OP register. A, B and I storage address registers, or STARs, are provided for storing addresses which are to be selectively transferred to the address register for readout of information from the core storage.

An address modifier connected to the address register and to the STARs is provided for incrementing the address transferred from a STAR to the address register by the numeral one and entering the new address in the STAR for the next succeeding STAR operation. A cycle timing means is provided for controlling the over-all timing for the data processing machine and its associated input-output equipment. 1 The instructions are variable in length and include a first character which is the OP code which defines the basic instruction. The remainder of the instruction, frequently called the modifier, is utilized for determining the precise manner in which the basic instruction is to be carried out. When a modifier is read from memory, it is entered in the B register and then to the A register during the 1 cycle. The end of the instruction is indicated by word mark located in the next position in memory after the instruction.

The A and B STARS are used for storing the addresses in memory of the data which is to be acted upon; for example, in the apparatus of the present application, the addresses of the characters which are to be printed on the forms or tape will be entered into the B STAR for transfer to the address register during B cycles. Thus during a printing cycle, each of the characters which are to be printed in the various printing positions of the printer will be read out of memory sequentially by the B STAR and the address register during a B cycle for transfer to the B register and then to the A register for controlling the printing mechanism.

, In accordance with the program selected, the forms or tape advance may be performed before or after a print cycle. In the event that the forms OP codes call for ormsor eaoief iii 't f tap vane a ter print ng, t e forms msruc tion cycles will precede the print B cycles; and the forms and tape control circuits will be conditioned to advance the forms or tape upon completion of the print cycle.

Forms mode of operation Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the control circuits for the single continuous forms advancing mechanism will now be described in detail. Advancement of the forms is controlled by low speed start and stop mag nets 1% and 101 and high speed start and stop magnets 1112 and 1% corresponding to the start and stop magnets of the Panissidi patent. The magnet ran controls the operation of the continuous forms drive at a low speed while the magnet 1% controls the operation of the forms drive means at high speed. The magnet 191 is a stop magnet for positively preventing operation of the continuous forms drive while the stop magnet 1h?) prevents operation of the high speed portion of the continuous forms advance mechanism.

Selective energization of the magnets 1% and 1111 is controlled by means of signals applied to the input terminals 1114, 105, 1117 and 1%. Terminals 1M- and 1% form the input to an AND circuit 1119 which energizes a 70 MS. single shot multivibrator 111 by way of a two-way OR circuit 1111. Terminal 1% forms the other input to the OR circuit and is used only in the multiple tape listing mode of operation as will be described later. The multivibrator 111 sets a carriage interlock latch 112 which during a forms advance cycle prevents a printing cycle and prevents further processing in the central processing unit in the event the next operation is a forms operation.

When the carriage interlock latch is set or turned onfit also energizes a magnet driver 115 by way of its ON out put 113 and a two-way AND circuit 114. The input terminal 1115 forms the other input to the AND circuit 114. The low speed start magnet 100 is energized by the magnet driver 115.

When the interlock latch is reset or turned olf, its complernented or OFF output 116 energizes a magnet driver 118 by way of a two-way OR circuit 117. The input terminal 1%? is connected to the other input of the OR circuit. The magnet driver 118 energizes the low speed stop magnet 1111. V

The single shot multivibrator 111 also sets a second 4.5 ins. single shot multivibrator which is connected to an inverter stage 126. At the trailing edge of an output pulse from the multivibrator 125, the inverter is effective to energize a 10 ,uS. single shot multivibrator 127 and a 10 ms single shot multivibrator 128 by way of an OR circuit 156. The multivibrator 1Z7 resets the carriage interlock latch 112 while the multivibrator123 is connected to one input of a two-way OR circuit 131), the ON output 113 of the carriage interlock latch being connected to the other input to the OR circuit. It is the output of this OR circuit which is utilized to prevent further processing in the central processing unit in the event that the next operation is a FORMS operation. The interlock latch output 113 is also connected to an OR circuit 151), the output of which is connected to an inhibit input to the print scanning circuit 132 to prevent a print cycle during the forms advance cycle. The interlock latch OFF output 116 is connected to a 16.5 ms. single shot multivibrator 131 which applies an inhibit pulse to the scanning circuit 132 by way of the OR circuit 151 for 16.5 ms. after the interlock latch is reset.

The input terminal 105 is also connected to a twoway AND circuit 135 which sets the interlock latch 112 and sets a bistable trigger 136. The other input to the AND circuit is connected to an input terminal 193 which 1 receives skip operation signals. The trigger 136 includes an ON output for energizing a magnet driver 137 and a complemented or OFF output for energizing a magnet driver 138. The magnet driver 137 energizes the high speed start magnet 102 when the trigger 136 is in the set condition, and the magnet driver 13? energizes the high speed stop magnet 103 when the trigger is in the reset condition. The trigger is reset by means of a pulse from a compare circuit 151 applied by way of the input terminal 139.

During a forms skip operation, the compare circuit 151 checks for a comparison between the skip operation control data in a space skip register 185, which will be described in detail later, and the tape control unit 4% When the forms and the tape 41 have been advanced to the position at which high speed forms advancing is to be terminated, the set of brushes 48 detect apertures in the tape such that certain of the brushes having potentials applied thereto by the plate 46, will produce an output in a decimal-to-binary coded decimal transfer register 152 which corresponds to the data in the skip register. The output of the register 152 is applied to a character register 153, the output of which is applied to the compare circuit 151. The compare circuit 151 also includes a third input 154 to which is applied the skip OP signal.

Thus the compare circuit will produce a pulse at its output 155 when high speed form advance is to be terminated. This output signal resets the carriage interlock latch 112 by way of the OR circuit 156 and the multivibrator 127 and also resets the trigger 136. The multivibrator 127 also resets the skip register by way of an isolating diode 160. t

The input terminals 105 and 107 comprise two contact of a switch 140. The switch includes a'second pair of contacts 141 and 142 which are connected respectively to the input terminal contacts 1115 and 107. The switch also includes a pair of arms 143 and 144 connected respectively to positive and negative six volt potentials by way of resistors 145 and 146. In the solid line positions of the arms 1% and 144, a positive potential is applied to the terminal contact 1115 and a negative potential to the terminal contact 1117. This position of the switch corresponds to 21 forms mode of operation.

In the broken line positions of the arms and 144, a negative potential is applied to the terminal contact 1115 and a positive potential to the terminal contact 107. This position of the switch corresponds to the MULTI- PLE TAPE LISTING mode of operation.

The operation of the above circuit for controlling the operation of the continuous form advance mechanism will now be described in detail.

Assume for the moment that the switch 140 is positioned as shown in solid lines for normal forms mode of operation of the forms advance mechanism. A positive 6 volt potential will be applied by way of the resistor 145 and the input terminal 1135 to one of the inputs of AND circuit 169, 114 and 135, satisfying one of the two conditions required for producing a signal at the outputs of the respective AND circuits.

. The input terminal 104 receives forms space after print signals (scan 48) which will initiate the operation of the forms advancing mechanism by means of the low speed start magnet 1%. As indicated above, the signal will be-produced at or near the end of the printing cycle at which time a pulse is applied to the input terminal 104 in the event that a normalspace operation is required.

Alternatively a pulse is applied to the input terminal 108 in the event that a skip operation is required.

Assuming first that a normal space operation is required, the input pulse to the terminal 104- will cause the single shot multivibrator 111 to produce a pulse at its output to set the carriage interlock latch 112 in its ON condition. The shift in voltage level at output 113 carriage interlock latch together with the positive 6 volt potential from the input terminal 185 will cause the AND circuit 114 to energize the magnet driver 115. The magnet driver 115 will energize the magnet lltitl to energize the forms drive mechanism at a low speed and the forms drive will advance the forms one space, at which time the carriage interlock latch is reset by the multivibrator 127 to deenergize the start magnet 1611.

Operation of the carriage control circuit for a skip operation will now be described in detail. Assuming that the switch 140 is in the forms mode of operation to apply a'positive 6 volt potential to one of the inputs of the AND circuit 135, a skip operation pulse applied to the input terminal 163 will cause the AND circuit 135' to turn on the carriage interlock latch 112 and to turn on the high speed skip trigger 136. The trigger 136 will turn on the magnet driver 137 and turn oil the magnet driver 13% and since the skip trigger is bistable, it will remain in its ON condition until a reset pulse is applied to the reset input 139 thereof. The magnet driver 137 energizes the high speed start magnet 1112 and the magnet driver 135 de-energizes the high speed stop magnet 1113. The carriage drive advances the forms until the brushes 4% associated with the tape control unit 41) condition the transfer register 152 and the character register 153 to effect a compare with the data in the skip register. 185. The compare circuit 151 then resets theinterlock latch 112 and the trigger 136. At this time, the start magnets are de-energized and the stop magnets are re-energized. It will be appreciated that the forms control circuits are shown by way of example, and that in commercial equipment it may be desirable to terminate the high speed skip operation with one or more slow speed forms spacing cycles. This may be achieved by minor modification of the disclosed circuit in a manner well known in the art.

Multiple tape listing mode of operation The core storage memory, and the B and A registers of the central processing unit are illustrated diagrammatically at 17%, 171 and 172, respectively." The eight outputs from the A register are connected to the set inputs of latches 177-184 of the space skip register 185, by way of AND circuits 173-176 and circuits 186-189. An additional AND circuit 1% provides a gated input to the AND circuits 173-176 and 18 -189, inclusive. An output pulse is produced by the AND circuit 1919 upon the coincidence of input pulses to the forms control operation line 191, a gated word mark line 192,, and an I cycle timing line 19".

The AND circuit 176 includes a third input connected to the forms mode terminal contact to prevent setting of the latch 18% during a multiple tape listing mode of operation.

An AND circuit 195 having the input lines 191, 192 and 193, described above, and a fourth input line 194 to which is applied a time 030-060 timing pulse during an I cycle provides an output pulse for momentarily resetting the space skip register latches 171-184; and at time 060 the latches are set in accordance with the forms OP modifier character in the A register. The latches 181-184- include ON output lines Ztlfl-Ztlfi and complemented or OFF output lines 2205-2118. These output linesare connected to a plurality of AND circuits 210417 for the purpose of translating the binary coded decimal number in the latches 131484 to a decimal form for selective energization of a plurality of tape control latches 220227. The digit stored in the latches 181-184 will set one of the tape latches by means of an AND circuit 23:) and a gating line 231 which is connected in common to the latches 220427. The AND circuit 231% has three inputs 232., and to which are applied respectively a time pulse 090000, a gate space skip pulse and an A register AB signal, i.e. a signal produced when 1 bits are stored in both the A and B bit positions of the A register. The A13 signal represents a skip after print forms OP code modifier; the AR KB and KT? signals representing respectively space before print, space after print and skip before print modifiers.

Preceding a print operation, the OP codes corresponding to the tapes upon which printing is to be performed are read serially into the skip register 185; and a tape latch is set by each OP code.

Each of the tape latches 2259-227 is adapted to energize a respective magnet driver 24tl-247 by way of a respective AND circuit Mil-257. The AND circuits 250-257 are rendered eltective after the printing cycle to energize the desired magnet drivers 24tl24-7, in accordance with the tape latches 2219-227 which have been set, by means of a gating pulse applied to the line 269. A 10 ms. single shot multivibrator 261 is energized to apply the gating pulse to the line 2613 in response to the coincidence of input signalsto the AND circuit 262 which is connected to the multivibrator;

The AND circuit 262 includes a plurality of inputs 263, 26 i and 265. The input 263 is connected to the multiple tape listing terminal contact 167, and the input 264 is connected to the ANDed OFF outputs of the skip before and skip after latches 179 and 1811. The input 265' is energized by the scan 48 signal by way of an OR circuit 266 for tape advancing after printing. The input 265 is energized to provide tape advancing when no print operation is performed by means of coincident time 098-090, gate space skip register, and a space before OP code signals applied to an AND circuit 267, the output of which is connected to the OR circuit 266.

AND circuit 262 also energizes the multivibrator 111 (FIG. 3) by way of line 366, the input terminal 106 and the OR circuit 11%. in the manner described above with respect to the forms mode of operation, the multivibrator 111 wi1l set the carriage interlock latch 112 to apply an :inhibit pulse to the print scanning control circuit 132 and to the OR circuit 130 to prevent further processing in the central processing unit in the event that the next operation is a forms operation.

In this instance, the energization of the start magnets 100 and 102 by the carriage interlock latch is prevented by reason of the negative six volt potential applied to the AND circuits 114 and 135 by way of the input terminal contact 105, the switch 140 now being in the multiple tape listing mode of operation rather than the forms mode. Also, de-energization of the stop magnets 101 and 103 by reason of the carriage interlock latch being turned on is similarly prevented. Thus operation of the forms drive is positively prevented.

The multivibrators 125 and 127 are rendered eifeetive in the manner described above in response to a pulse from the multivibrator 111 to reset the carriage interlock latch .112 a desired time interval after its being set.

When the single shot multivibrator 261 applies the gating pulse to the AND circuits 250-257 as described above to energize the desired magnet drivers 240-247, it also applies the pulse to an inverter 270. The trailing edge of the inverter output pulse energizes a 10 s. single shot multivibrator 271 which applies a reset pulse to the tape latches 220-227 by way of line 272, OR circuit 273 and reset line 274. It is noted that the OR circuit 273 includes additional inputs 275 and 276 which respectively apply input signals to the OR circuit for resetting the tape latches 220-227 when the data processing equipment is started, and for maintaining the latches reset when the circuit is in the forms mode of operation.

The operation of the tape drives will now be described briefly. Assuming a tape advance after printing, various forms skip OP code modifiers will be read during succeeding I cycles serially from the memory 170 into the B and A registers. At time 060 of each I cycle following the entry of a modifier into the A register, the modifier is transferred to the space skip register 185. At time 090, the latch 220-227 corresponding to the modifier in the register 185 will be set.

When the desired latches 220-227 are set, the B cycles print operation Will commence. At scan 48 time of the printing operation, the AND circuit 262 sets the carriage interlock latch 112 and gates the AND circuits 250-257 to energize the selected tape drive magnets 35-1 to 35-8. The tape latches 220 are reset and the drive magnets deenergized approximately 10 ms. later by the multivibrators 261 and 271 and the inverter 270. The interlock latch 112 is reset by the multivibrators 125 and 127, the multivibrator 127 also resetting the space skip register 185.

For a tape advance without printing, the desired tape latches are set in the manner described above with respect to tape advance after printing. However, instead of a print operation being effected, the forms OP code space before printing is programmed. The modifier of the OP code is read from the memory 17 into the B and A registers. When it is gated into the skip register 135 during the next I cycle, it sets the latch 177 at time 060; and, at time 090, the AND circut 267 is effective to set the interlock latch 112 and to energize the multivibrator 261 to gate the AND circuits 250-257. The latches 220-227 which are set will energize their corresponding tape drives 35-1 to 35-8. The various components are reset as described above with respect to the tape advance after printing operation.

FIG. illustrates the timing of the various signals during a complete series of I cycles for setting the tape latches 220, 221 and 222. The I cycles for initiating a print and branch operation are also shown. The instruction for achieving this is EAEBEC100 it being noted that this instruction is then followed by the characters which are to be printed in the various printing positions.

10 The addresses of the characters of the instruction are indicated at lite-110.

Assume that the address is stored in the I STAR and that the machinery is started. The E OP code is read into the B register and then entered in the OP register during the first I cycle. Before the end of the I cycle, the address modifier enters the address 101 into the I STAR. The forms control operation circuit is turned on toward the beginning of the cycle; and, at the end of the cycle, the address 101 is transferred from I STAR to the address register to read out the modifier A in address 101 into the B register and thence to the A register.

Each character in storage will contain a combination of eight bits (1 or 0) to signify the particular significance of the character. The bits are frequently referred to as 1, 2, 4, 8, A, B, parity check and word mark bits. The character A has 1 bits in the 1, A and B bit positions and assuming an odd bit parity check, there would be no bit in the parity position. The underscored characters indicate a word mark bit. The modifier A is used in the present appartus as the skip after print OP code which sets the latch 220. Each modifier which includes a 1 bit in both the A and B bit positions may be used as a skip after print operation forms OP code to control a respective latch and tape drive depending on the number represented in its 1, 2, 4 and 8 bit positions. The A and B bit storage devices in the A register ANDED together produced the AB output signal. This is indicated by A REG AB waveform in the chart of FIG. 5.

During the next I cycle, the E is the memeory address 102 is transferred to the B register and a gated word mark signal is initiated. Coincidence of the time 909-000 signal, the gate space skip register signal and the A REG AB signal set tape latch 1.

In a similar manner, the tape laches 2 and 3 are similarly set in the next six cycles as is indicated on the timing chart of FIG. 5. It is noted in this respect that the characters B and C stored in memory addresses 103 and 105 include 1 bits respectively in the 2, A and B positions and the 1, 2, A and B positions. In a similar manner, the modifiers D, E, F, G and H includes the appropriate bits in A and B bit positions and in the 1, 2, 4 and 8 positions for equivalent decimal numbers 4-8 to respectively set the tape latches 4-8 when desired.

The numeral 2 in the core storage position 105 is the print OP code and the 100 modifier indicates a branching operation back to the position 100 in core storage, after a printing cycle has been completed. After the word mark following the 100 is read out from storage, the branch address 100 will be transferred to the A register until such time as the printing cycle is completed; and the B cycles will be initiated to start printing.

As indicated in FIG. 6, the B or print cycles require approximately 80 milliseconds. The timing of the various print and process interlocks relative to the print cycle are described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In stored program data processing apparatus of the type in which a drive means is provided for advancing a continuous form upon which output data from the apparatus is recorded, and in which a control means responds to certain programming codes stored in the apparatus to selectively actuate the drive means in accordance with the codes, i

the combination with the control means of a plurality of devices each adapted to advance a respective continuous form web,

l l circuit means responsi e to at least certain ones of the same codes for selectively actuating respective ones of the devices, and switch means for alternatively rendering the control means or the circuit means ineffective.

2. In stored program data processing apparatus of the type in which a drive means is provided for advancing a continuous form upon which output data from the apparatus is recorded, in which operation codes for controlling normal spacing and skip spacing operation of the drive means are read out from the apparatus to a register, and in which control means responds to' the operation "codes for selectively operating the drive means,

the combination with the control means of a plurality of drive means each adapted to advance a respective tape,

a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective tape drive means,

timing circuit means effective to selectively set the latches in accordance with at least certain of the same operation codes in the register,

timing circuit means for selectively actuating the drive means in accordance with thesetting of the latches whereby said certain operation codes effect selective actuation of both the forms and tape drive means,

' and means for alternatively conditioning the control means or the timing circuit means to respond to said certain operation codes. 3. In stored program data processing apparatus of the type in which a drive means is provided for advancing a continuous form upon which output data from the apparatus is recorded, in which operation codes for controlling normal spacing and skip spacing operation of the drive means are read out from the apparatus to a register,

and in which control means responds to the operation codes for selectively operating thedrive means,

the combination with the control means of a'plurality of drive means each adapted to ad Vance a respective tape, a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective tape drive means, timing circuit means effective to selectively set the latches in accordance with at least certain of the same operation codes in the register, timing circuit means effective near the end of a printing cycle for selectively actuating the drive means in accordance with the setting of the latches, whereby said certain operation codes elfect selective actuation of both the forms and tape drive means, and means for alternatively conditioning the control means or the timingcircuit means to respond to said certain operation codes.

4. In stored program data processing apparatus of the type in which a drive means is provided for advancing a continuous form upon which output data from the apparatus is recorded, in which operation codes for controlling normal spacing and skip spacing operation of the i drivemeans are read out from the apparatus, and in which control means responds to the operation codes for selectively operating the drive means,

the combination with the control means of i a plurality of drive means each adapted to advance a respective tape,

a register responsive to at least certain of the same operation codes for storing data representative of the types which are to be advanced,

a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective tape drive means,

timing circuit means effective to selectively set the latches in accordance with the data in the register,

and timing circuit means for selectiveiactuating drive means are read out from storage, and in which control means responds to the operation codes for selectively operating the drive means,

the combination with the control means of a plurality of drive means each adapted to advance a respective tape,

a register responsive to at least certain of the same operation codes for storing data representative of the tapes which are to be advanced after a printing cycle,

a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective tape drive means,

timing circuit means effective to selectively set the latches in accordance with the data in the register,

and timing circuit means effective near the end of a printing cycle for selectively actuating the tape drive means in accordance with the setting of the latches.

6. In stored program data processing apparatus having means for effecting printing in a plurality of print positions, the combination comprising a first drive means adapted to advance a continuous paper form past the print positions,

a plurality of second drive means each adapted to advancea paper tape past respective ones of the print positions,

a register adapted to receive and store, operation codesrepresentative, in one mode of Operation, of the distance the first drive means will advance the forms and representative,- in another mode of operation, of the tapes which will be advanced,

circuit means effective in the one mode of operation to operate the first drive means in accordance with an operation code in the register,

a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective tape drive means,

circuit means effective in the other mode of operation to selectively set the latches in accordance with operation codes stored in the register,

circuit means for selectively actuating the tape drive means in accordance with the setting or" the latches,

and means for conditioning the apparatus alternatively for the one or other mode of operation.

7. In stored program data processing apparatus having a first drive means adapted to advance a continuous paper form past the print positions,

a plurality of second drive means each adapted to advance a paper tape past respective ones of the print positions, 7

a register adapted to receive and store, operation codes representative, in one mode of operation, or" the distance the first drive meanswill advance the forms and representative, in another mode of operation, of the tapes which will be advanced,

circuit means effective in the one mode of operation to operate the first drive means in accordance with an operation code in the register,

circuit means effective in the other mode of operation to selectively actuate the tape drive means in accordance with operation codes stored in the register,

and means for conditioning the apparatus alternatively for the one or other mode of operation.

8. In equipment of the type in which means are provided' for selectively printing information on desired ones of a plurality of paper tapes, apparatus for selectively advancing the tapes comprising a drive means for each tape, a register for storing data representative of the tapes which are to be advanced, a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective drive means, circuit means effective to selectively set the latches in accordance with the data in the register, and circuit means for selectively actuating the drive means in accordance with the setting of the latches. 9. In equipment of the type in which means are provided for selectively printing information on desired ones of a plurality of paper tapes, apparatus for selectively advancing the tapes comprising a drive means for each tape,

a register for storing data representative of the tapes which are to be advanced after a printing cycle, means for entering the data serially into the register,

a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective drive means,

timing circuit means eifective to selectively set the latches in accordance with the data in the register,

and timing circuit means effective near the end of a printing cycle for selectively actuating the drive means in accordance with the setting of the latches.

10. In equipment of the type in which means are provided for selectively printing information on desired ones of a plurality of paper tapes, apparatus for selectively advancing the tapes comprising a plurality of drive means adapted individually to advance a respective single Width tape and adapted in pairs to advance a respective double width tape, a register for storing data representative of the tapes which are to be advanced after a printing cycle, a plurality of latches each corresponding to a respective drive means, timing circuit means effective to selectively set the latches in accordance with the data in the register, and timing circuit means efifective near the end of a printing cycle for selectively actuating the drive means in accordance with the setting of the latches.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,976,603 10/34 Dicke et al 197-114 2,213,552 9/40 Scharr 197133 X 2,264,647 12/41 Stearns 226-- 2,555,732 6/51 Dayger et a1 197-433 EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

ROBERT E. PULFREY, Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,176,819 April 6, 1965 Earl M. Bloom, 'et al a It is hereby certified that error appears in 'theabove numbered patent reqliring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as oorrectedbelow.

Column 11, line 6 9, for "types" read tapes Signed and sealed this 24th day of August 1965 (SEAL) Attest: v

ERNEST W. SWIDER v EDWARD J. BRENNER v Commissioner of Patents I At lusting Officer 

1. IN STORED PROGRAM DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS OF THE TYPE IN WHICH A DRIVE MEANS IS PROVIDED FOR ADVANCING A CONTINUOUS FORM UPON WHICH OUTPUT DATA FROM THE APPARATUS IS RECORDED, AND IN WHICH A CONTROL MEANS RESPONDS TO CERTAIN PROGRAMMING CODES STORED IN THE APPARATUS TO SELECTIVELY ACTUATE THE DRIVE MEANS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CODES, THE COMBINATION WITH THE CONTROL MEANS OF 